CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna , Philippines – At least 22 police officials, including a number of provincial directors, in the Calabarzon region are expected to be affected by a revamp in the run-up to the 2013 midterm elections.
Of the 24 municipal police chiefs in Laguna, eight will be assigned to other positions in and outside the region, said Chief Superintendent James Melad, regional police director.
The revamp, according to Melad, is part of Implan SAFE (Secure and Fair Elections) of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Melad admitted that the first wave of revamp started in Laguna two weeks ago with the removal of the police chiefs of Calamba City and Sta. Rosa from their posts due to overstaying.
He added that Senior Superintendent John Bulalacao, Cavite police director, was transferred to the Mimaropa region and replaced by Senior Superintendent Alfredo Rafael, former Abra police director, two weeks ago.
Melad said the relief of Senior Superintendent Fausto Manzanilla as Laguna police director did not push through, as he was retained as officer-in-charge of the command by the PNP leadership due to his excellent performance in his three months in office.
“We want to assure the public that the May 2013 elections will be clean, peaceful, secure and fair, and the PNP organization is non-partisan,” Melad said.
Also affected by the revamp are the police chiefs in the Batangas towns of Rosario, Cuenca, Calatagan, San Nicolas, Calaca, Sto. Tomas and Teresa; five towns in Quezon, and one each in Rizal and Cavite.
Melad said police chiefs who have stayed in their posts for two years and those who have established close ties with local politicians will be affected from the revamp.
According to senior police officials, the revamp may also include Senior Superintendents Rosauro Acio and Senior Superintendent Rolando Anduyan, police directors of Batangas and Rizal, respectively.